Qatar extends LNG supply suspension to Bangladesh, Pakistan

Qatar will extend the suspension of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to Bangladesh and Pakistan for another month as disruptions to energy transport through the Strait of Hormuz continue.

QatarEnergy has notified the two countries that cancellations of scheduled LNG cargoes will remain in effect through November, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Qatar has extended its declaration of “force majeure” for LNG supplies to Asian and European buyers because of the disruption in the strategic waterway, according to the report. At least one Indian buyer has also reportedly been informed of the extension, while Italy’s Edison SpA said its LNG supplies would remain suspended until early December.

QatarEnergy did not immediately comment on the latest development.

The state-owned company has been invoking force majeure and cancelling scheduled cargoes almost monthly since the conflict involving Iran began. Although Qatar managed to increase LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz in September, volumes remain well below pre-conflict levels.

Iran has said it will not ease its conditions for reopening the waterway, while US President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals about the prospects of a deal, adding to uncertainty over future shipments.

The Strait of Hormuz carried nearly one-fifth of global LNG supplies last year, making prolonged disruption a major concern for Asian and European energy markets. LNG prices in both regions have risen to their highest levels since late 2022, raising concerns over higher energy costs ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter.

Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG export facility is also operating at reduced capacity after being damaged in a March attack. The facility is being kept ready to ramp up production if the Strait of Hormuz reopens.